5 Tips for Attending Your First Blues Rock Concert
Whether you’re attending your first concert ever or your first blues-rock show, it can be hard to know what to expect. Any new experience can be intimidating, but you can soften the blow by preparing for the long night ahead. You may even save yourself a few bucks or wasted time.
How to Prepare for Your First Blues Rock Concert
It’s time to save the date and start getting excited. You’ll be able to attend your first blues-rock concert before you know it. Here are 5 ways to make sure you’re prepared for the big day.
1. Listen to the Classics (If you Haven’t Already)
Some of us go to concerts without knowing the band or genre, while others like to do a bit of research. Even if you aren’t spending money on the concert, it helps to build a blues-rock basis, so you know what you’re in for. We recommend starting with the classics and popular acts.
Some of the most commercially successful bands of all time are exclusively blues-rock or take influences from the genre. Led Zeppelin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Lynyrd Skynyrd pioneered the genre, but if you’re looking for something more modern, try The White Stripes.
2. Buy Your Tickets from a Reputable Website
The only thing worse than buying your tickets from scalpers is purchasing them from an unreputable online source. Not only could you risk identity theft if you buy from a sketchy dealer online, but your ticket may be fake, overpriced, or contain the wrong seating information.
Companies like GoodDeedSeats can hook you up with affordable tickets for any concert. But If the venue offers door tickets or free admission, then you won’t have to take the chance. Keep in mind that venues typically offer door tickets for lesser-known acts and maybe for larger festivals.
3. Dress for the Occasion (and According to Rules)
If you’ve been to a concert, you already know that you shouldn’t bring outdoor food or drinks to the venue, weapons are unacceptable, and cash is best if you’re buying merch. But if this concert doesn’t offer seating room, you’ll need to wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes.
Even at low-tempo rock concerts, there’s an expectation that someone will push you, press against you, or step on your feet. You’re also likely to get hot, so short sleeves are a must. Bring a fanny pack, a small bag, or deep-pocketed pants for your wallet, phone, and phone charger.
4. Consider If You Want a Front-Row View
If you’re lucky, you may get tickets that hold your seat. If you don’t, you typically have to come early to snag a front-row view. For lesser-known acts, this may mean 1-3 hours before the show, but for bigger acts, you may have to camp outside for 24 hours or longer, which isn’t always fun.
The decision to camp out is up to you, but you need to prepare in case you need to go to the bathroom or leave for any other reason. It’s best to bring a buddy who can hold down the fort. If you love the artist, camping out can be worth it, but it isn’t necessary to get a decent seat.
5. It’s Okay to Drink But Don’t Drink Too Much
Alcohol and rock n’ roll go hand in hand, but you don’t want to get so drunk that you start making bad decisions. For example, you may start a verbal altercation or fist fight, and security won’t care who started it. You’ll both be thrown out regardless; no questions asked.
Even if you don’t get rowdy, you could forget the entire night if you have one too many. Always drink responsibly and take care of your friends if they need help. Be respectful and try to help or protect people (if possible) who fall down. Never drink and drive. Call an Uber or a taxi instead.